Destination of the Week

San Luis Obispo - Paso Robles

There's a great wine region that's most easily seen from the air . . . in a hot air balloon, that is.

Halfway between  Los Angeles and San Francisco, California's Central Coast Wine Region.   In San Luis Obispo County you'll find two very different regions of wine production.   Microclimates abound due to the location of the Los Padres National Forest and the proximity to the Pacific. The geography creates near-perfect conditions for growing superb grapes.

There are really five main areas for wine growing - Arroyo Grande Valley, Edna Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Paso Robles.   The terroir gives the local varietals broad differences in taste and style. The varietals include Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Syrah and even Viognier.   As they grow, the longer season combined with morning fog and noontime sun creates stronger flavors.

Paso Robles lies in the foothills of the mountains.   The vineyards have been worked since the early 1800's, getting little recognition until 1983 when a Paso Robles was granted by the government.  More importantly, the wines continued to improve.   Today you'll find over a hundred vineyards and seventy wineries from which to sample the Paso Robles varietals, many award winning.

As you travel, enjoy the laid back attitude.   Everything's slow . . . you're in a two lane world here.   But there's plenty to do and lots of beauty to see.

If you live in the west, you can make an easy weekend - or even day - trip . . . just about any time of the year.   Rainfall is very low and there's little chance you'll see any.   There are some days of freezing but only a few weeks.   If there's anything to worry about it's making sure you're protected should you elect to go in the summer when the temperatures can exceed 100 F.

As you reach California 46 off of US 101, you'll find many of the wineries.   On the east side, there's a plain, conducive to hotter weather.   To the west, the weather is cooler, thanks to the fog and elevation.   The views are very different and so are the grapes.

Besides wine tasting, there's plenty to do.   That balloon ride we talked about earlier . . . it'll let you see the beauty of the entire region - from the plains to the ocean.   If you're sailing low on the western side, you'll more than likely get a whiff or two of the herbs which are grown there . . . they often blanket the air.

After that balloon settles to the ground there'll be a lot of daylight left for golfing, hiking, or bicycling.   Then, there's a plethora of spas which will wake up any body.   You may want to save that for the next day - especially if you're planning to visit the farmer's market.   Between the food sampling and the walking, the spa may well be the top-off for a beautiful day.

Of course, a short drive away, there's fishing, kayaking, and swimming and surfing.   It may sound too good to be true . . . but it isn't.   In fact, it's better.   The wines improve every year, making the visit more and more worthwhile.

Getting there is easy - US 101 - and a number of airlines flying into San Luis Obispo.   Once you're there, check out the bed & breakfasts . . . most are absolutely fantastic - not just in appearance and appurtenances but in their breakfast service, too.

It's a whole 'nother California Wine Region, and one worth seeing and tasting.  

Want to book a trip? Start here.

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